Chapter 260 Why am I everywhere?

"You promised me a few days ago that someone from the Xie family would come to propose marriage. Why haven't any official matchmakers come over after all these days?"

Her voice was sweet and delicate, carrying an undisguised sense of grievance.

Immediately following was a slightly rough and urgent voice.

"Shu'er, don't be angry. I've already begged my family. My parents said there won't be any good days before the New Year, and we'll talk about it after the New Year."

Upon hearing this, Li Nanke immediately realized that the people behind the big tree were Xie Xuanxiao and Xue Shu.

He couldn't help but sigh.

How come she always manages to run into Xie Xuanxiao and Xue Shu when they're having a fight?

I don't know if it's because these two people are arguing too often, or if she's just really unlucky.

Going out at this time might alert the people behind the tree.

Li Nanke thought for a moment, then pulled Zisu into the shadows nearby, hoping the young couple would finish their conversation and leave as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, the mandarin ducks behind the tree couldn't hear her heartfelt words.

Xue Shu carried a small rabbit lantern in her hand. The light shone brightly on her fair face, making the tears in her eyes appear even more transparent, as if they were about to fall but were not, making her look pitiful.

"Brother Xie, tell me the truth, does your family no longer want to discuss marriage with my family? Are your parents dissatisfied with me?"

Xie Xuanxiao's expression changed slightly, and his voice suddenly rose two decibels.

"Of course not. My parents know how I feel about you, and they like you very much too."

"Shu'er, don't think nonsense. I... I promise that after the New Year, my family will definitely come to propose marriage."

Tears streamed down Xue Shu's face as she choked out, "You're lying. If your parents were satisfied with me, they would have sent someone to propose marriage long ago."

Our two families have been discussing marriage for so long, and both sides had already agreed to it; we were just going through the motions.

Your parents suddenly turned cold. My parents have already sent word twice, but your parents have pretended not to notice and refused to come.

"It's not right for the woman to always be the one to initiate marriage. Your family clearly doesn't want the marriage anymore, and you're lying to me."

When his lie was exposed, Xie Xuanxiao panicked and instinctively grabbed Xue Shu's hand.

“Shu’er, listen to me. My mother did say those words, but I did not agree. My mother is my mother, and I am me.”

My feelings for you will never change. Give me some time, and I will definitely persuade my parents to agree to propose marriage to the Xue family.

Xue Shu shook off his hand.

"Your mother herself said to put this matter aside for now, Xie Xuanxiao, how can you go against your mother's wishes?"

Xie Xuanxiao blurted out, "Of course, as long as I plead with them properly..."

He paused mid-sentence, frowning as he looked at Xue Shu.

How do you know what my mother said?

A hint of annoyance flashed in Xue Shu's eyes.

Xie Xuanxiao's expression darkened slightly.

"Did you bribe one of my servants? Or did you plant a spy in my house?"

Perhaps his tone was too harsh, Xue Shu stomped her foot and pouted, saying, "Your family hasn't come to propose marriage yet, can't I ask around?"

"Just ask me whatever you want to know. I've said I'll tell you everything I know. Why are you trying to find out in a different way?"

"Xie Xuanxiao, are you blaming me? Is it wrong for me to care about our relationship and send someone to inquire?"

Xue Shu sobbed softly, feeling wronged.

Xie Xuanxiao pursed his lips, "I don't mean to blame you, it's just that bribing the people around my mother is not the right way to do it."

"Isn't this still blaming me?"

Xue Shu retorted angrily, her voice somewhat shrill.

"Xie Xuanxiao, I... I thought there were feelings between us, which is why I was so looking forward to you coming to propose marriage."

This doesn't mean I, Xue Shu, am indispensable to you. I'm giving you another month. If your family still doesn't come knocking, then... let's call it quits!

Xie Xuanxiao immediately became anxious.

"What do you mean by 'let it go'?"

"What I mean by 'forget it' is that we should go our separate ways from now on. If you don't want to marry me, there are plenty of men who would. The Lady of Changping Marquis even came to propose marriage the other day."

"You're going to arrange a marriage with someone else?"

Xie Xuanxiao was furious. "Where do you put our relationship?"

"It's because your family has never come to our door. A good woman is sought after by many families. My Xue family doesn't necessarily have to cling to your Xie family."

The grievance on Xue Shu's face disappeared, replaced by a hint of smugness as she looked at Xie Xuanxiao.

"Remember, I'm only giving you one month."

"If you don't come to my door within a month, I'll agree to marry someone else."

Xie Xuanxiao looked panicked.

"Shu'er, don't be like this. I... I will definitely persuade my parents."

Xue Shu snorted and shoved the rabbit lantern in her hand into Xie Xuanxiao's hands.

"I'll give the rabbit lantern back to you; I don't want it anymore!"

Xie Xuanxiao instinctively stepped back.

The rabbit lantern fell to the ground, and flames shot up, instantly igniting the outer lampshade.

Xie Xuanxiao hurriedly stomped out the flames, and when he picked up the rabbit lantern, he found that Xue Shu had already disappeared.

A hint of annoyance flashed in his eyes as he stared blankly at the rabbit lantern in his hand.

The light was out, and one of the rabbit's ears had been burned off, leaving only one ear standing alone.

Just like him right now.

Xie Xuanxiao squatted down sadly, reaching out to touch the rabbit ears, and murmured, "It took me half a month to make this. Isn't the rabbit lantern your favorite?"

A rustling sound came from behind the big tree.

Xie Xuanxiao suddenly turned his head, "Who's there?"

He strode over and peered into the shadows, his eyes meeting those of Li Nanke, who was tiptoeing away.

Li Nanke's bright eyes darted around, she waved her little hand, and smiled slightly.

"What a coincidence, Brother Xie."

Xie Xuanxiao frowned, his gaze fixed on her.

What did you just hear?

Li Nanke blinked, then suddenly pointed at him and exclaimed in surprise.

"Oh dear, Brother Xie, you're not going to cry, are you?"

Xie Xuanxiao was startled and, somewhat embarrassed, raised the back of his hand and smeared it hard on his face.

Then he glared fiercely at Li Nanke.

"You...you're mistaken. Who said I was crying?"

"Li Nanke, why are you everywhere? How can you be so annoying?"

Li Nanke pursed her lips and gave a soft snort.

"That's what I wanted to say to you too."

"I must have forgotten to check the almanac before going out today, otherwise how could I be so unlucky as to see someone being dumped by their beloved girl?"

Oh dear, I wonder who's more unlucky between us.

Xie Xuanxiao jumped up suddenly as if someone had stepped on his tail, glaring at Li Nanke.

"You're talking nonsense. She didn't abandon me. She just... just..."

Li Nanke scoffed.

"But what? I heard it all. They're already discussing marriage with the Marquis of Changping's family. Are you still deceiving yourself?"

If she truly liked you, she wouldn't have smashed the rabbit lantern you made, nor would she have threatened to marry you off to someone else. Instead, you would have worked together to win her over.

Xie Xuanxiao frowned, instinctively trying to defend Xue Shu.

“She’s not that kind of person. It’s my fault for not doing enough. My family was too slow to propose marriage, which hurt her feelings.”

Li Nanke couldn't help but roll her eyes wide.